Jets seven-round NFL Mock Draft 2.0: An Aaron Rodgers protector

We are inching closer to the 2023 NFL Draft.

In a little over two weeks, the Panthers will be on the clock and one of the best three-day periods in the sports calendar will commence.

The Jets enter this year’s draft with less needs than any draft in recent memory.

That is a testament to the roster that general manager Joe Douglas has built.

There are still positions that need work but the Jets should have more directions they can go this year than in the past few years.

We used the PFF mock draft simulator to help us out and here is what we came up with for the Jets 2023 Draft:

Round 1, No. 13 overall: TRADE

Sending the No. 13 pick to the Rams for a 2023 second-round pick (No. 36 overall), a 2023 third-round pick (No. 77 overall) and a 2024 first-round pick.

Previous Pick: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt

The top two offensive tackles were already drafted with Paris Johnson and Broderick Jones both going in the top 10.

Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a wild card for the Jets here, went a pick before we were on the clock.

I considered Northwestern lineman Peter Skoronski but he is more of a guard than a tackle.

Without a lot of attractive options at 13, I decided to deal the pick.

Don’t kill me over the fairness of the trade.

The PFF simulator accepted the trade.

I dropped out of the first round but picked up a first-rounder next year and two Day 2 picks this year.

This gives us the flexibility to move back into the first round with the extra picks or sit tight.

Next year, we will have an extra first-round pick in case we need to move up to draft a quarterback if Aaron Rodgers is one and done with the Jets.

Round 2, No. 36 overall (acquired in trade with Rams): Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

After moving out of the first round, we take the best tackle still on the board.

Jones is a monster at 6-foot-8 and 374 pounds. His wingspan is 87 ¾ inches.

We can slot him in at right tackle and let Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown fight it out for the left tackle spot.

Protecting Aaron Rodgers is a priority and Jones will help the Jets do that.

Round 2, No. 42 overall: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

Previous Pick: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State

Henley is a repeat from last week, although we take him one spot higher this week. The Jets are not likely to keep both of their second-round picks. One is most likely going to be sent to the Packers in a deal for Rodgers. If they stay here, linebacker is a position that needs to be addressed. They need a third linebacker right now and C.J. Mosley is not going to play forever. It is time to start building depth at the position.

Round 2, No. 43 overall: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State

Previous Pick: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

You can’t have enough edge rushers.

Anudike-Uzomah had 20 ½ sacks in three seasons at Kansas State and can give the Jets some depth on the edge to go along with Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson and Micheal Clemons.

The Jets don’t need him to start right away but he can play special teams and become a starter later.

Round 3, No. 77 overall (acquired in trade with Rams): Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston

Dell was a team captain at Houston, something the Jets love.

He is undersized at 5-8, 165 pounds but was highly productive in college.

He led FBS in receiving yards (1,398) and receiving touchdowns (17) in 2022.

He also can return punts.

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Round 4, No. 112 overall: Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State

Previous Pick: K.J. Henry, Edge, Clemson

This may be a little bit of a reach but the Jets need to add on the interior of the defensive line and I’m going to take a shot here with Scruggs.

He was a team captain at Penn State and started 17 games at center for the Nittany Lions over the past two years.

He won’t fix the Jets’ center issues right away but can be a backup for now.

Round 5, No. 143 overall: Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest

Previous Pick: Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State

Turner is an older prospect at 24 years old.

He played at Richmond, which is Douglas’ alma mater, before spending a post-graduate year at Wake Forest.

The Jets need depth on the interior of their defensive line.

It would be a surprise if they did not address it in this draft.

Round 6, No. 207 overall: Anthony Johnson Jr, S, Iowa State

Previous Pick: Aidan O’Connell, QB, Purdue

Johnson is known as a high-character player and is another team captain.

This late in the draft, the Jets can grab a good locker room guy who can contribute on special teams.